Page 43 of Shadowed Fate

Brigid's face flushes red, her eyes darting around the room. I can see the hurt and humiliation warring with anger in her expression.

"You're wrong," Brigid says, her voice low but steady. "You don't know anything about me or them."

Laria laughs, the sound sharp and cold. "Oh, honey. I know everything that happens in this school. And I know exactly what you are—a pathetic little human trying to play in a world she doesn't belong in."

The crowd shifts, some looking uncomfortable, others clearly enjoying the show.

"I belong here as much as anyone," Brigid says, her voice growing stronger. "And I don't give a fuck what you think of me, Laria."

"You'll regret that, little girl," she hisses. "I'll make sure of it.”

I see Brigid look around for someone to come to her rescue, to be her salvation. My eyes meet hers.

I turn and leave the room.

Chapter 21

Lochan

I trail Laria through the winding halls of Grimstone, my footsteps silent against the floor. The vamp thinks she's alone, but I'm right on her heels.

She turns a corner down a deserted corridor, and I make my move. In three quick strides, I'm on her, slamming her against the wall. My forearm presses against her throat, not enough to choke, but enough to let her know I mean business.

Laria's eyes widen for a split second before that smug mask slips back into place. "Oh Lochan, I didn't know you cared."

I press harder. "I don't give a shit about your petty drama, but if I ever see you pull that kind of stunt again, you'll regret it."

She laughs, but it's thin, brittle. "Are you threatening me? Over that pathetic little human?"

"I'm warning you," I say, my voice controlled. "Stay the fuck away from her."

For a moment, fear flashes in Laria's eyes. But then she recovers, leaning in close despite my grip. "Or what?" she breathes. "What will you do to me, Lochan?"

I release her abruptly, stepping back. My skin crawls at her proximity, at the insinuation in her voice. Fucking vampires.

"Just stay away," I repeat, turning to leave. "Or you'll find out. And trust me, you’ll wish you hadn’t.”

Laria's eyes narrow, her pale gaze burning with resentment as she backs away. "You're making a mistake, Lochan. That girl is nothing but trouble."

I don't dignify her bullshit with a response. My jaw clenches as I stalk off, leaving her seething in the shadows. Fuck. Why am I even getting involved in this mess? The shadow witch has me defending her.

I need space. Air. Somewhere to clear my head.

My feet carry me to the abandoned east wing, dusty and deserted. My footstep echo in the emptiness. It's quiet here. Peaceful. No drama, no politics, no fucking shadow magic.

But as I reach the end of the corridor, memories ambush me. The acrid stench of smoke. Screaming. Slithering, suffocating blackness. And then no more screams.

I stop and lean against the wall, my breath coming in sharp gasps. Raven King loyalists, their eyes alight with fanatical fervor as they took everyone I've ever loved.

My mother's face, frozen in a silent scream. My father. My little sister...

"Fuck!" I slam my fist into the wall, relishing the sharp burst of pain. It grounds me, drags me back to the present.

I slide down to the floor, head in my hands. This is why I can't trust her. Can't trust anyone who wields that cursed magic. It only brings death and destruction.

I see Brigid's face in my mind. Her eyes when she searched for anyone to be on her side when Laria attacked her. The shadows flickering at her fingertips, barely noticeable. But I noticed.

She's dangerous. A liability. Callen, Rory and Tiernan should stay the hell away from her. I should stay the away from her.

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